Police have confirmed that a man has died after a “severed head” was reportedly found on an Edinburgh street following a tragic accident involving a bus.
A 74-year-old man died after being hit by a bus in the Scottish capital’s party district.
Officers rushed to the Cowgate area at 7.25pm on Saturday and closed several roads while an investigation took place.
Roads have since reopened but police are appealing for CCTV footage to assist with investigations.
Police said the “tragic incident” was isolated and there was no risk to the general public.
Forensic officers photographed at the scene in Edinburgh following a ‘major incident’
Police set up a forensic tent at the location which was cordoned off last night.
Police Scotland spotted a serious traffic incident in the Cowgate area of Edinburgh
Police have asked social media users to stop sharing graphic images and videos of the incident.
In one such video, seen by MailOnline, a group of costumed revelers can be seen reacting to finding what appears to be a decapitated head on the road.
Sergeant Louise Birrell, of Edinburgh Highway Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who died.
‘Extensive investigations are underway to establish the full circumstances of this incident.
“Officers have spoken to a number of people who were in the area at the time and work is underway to check public and private CCTV footage.
‘We are still interested in hearing from anyone who has not yet spoken to the police. If you have any information about what happened, please get in touch.
“Anyone with information should call police on 101. Please quote incident number 3395 of Saturday 2 November 2024.”
Detective Chief Inspector Trisha Clark, local area commander, said: “We are aware of the videos and images circulating on social media which are causing distress to the family of the deceased and those who inadvertently view them.”
‘We ask the public not to share them out of respect for his family and to report them to the appropriate social media platform to prevent further circulation.
‘There has been much speculation and I would like to reassure the local community that this is an isolated incident and there is no risk to the general public.
‘This was a tragic incident. We are investigating an accident and our highway police officers, assisted by local officers, are continuing to carry out inquiries.’
Authorities have cordoned off several streets and emergency services remain at the scene.
Footage captured by onlookers and shared on social media shows Blair Street, Guthrie Street and Candlemaker Road closed last night.
An image captured by witnesses shows police officers standing next to the scene that has been recorded with tape.
“Anyone with concerns or any information that may assist the investigation is asked to contact police.”
A witness at the scene told Edinburgh Live: “The police have just turned up and started putting up tape.” Whatever it is, it seems pretty serious.
“Anyway, there don’t seem to be any cars inside the cordon.”
Several nightclubs and other venues in the vicinity of the incident also closed for the night, and Halloween-themed events were suspended and emergency services remained on scene.
The nearby Bachata Blues dance school was one of the businesses affected and issued a statement saying: “Following police instructions, all venues will be closed tonight due to a major incident.”
All access roads to Cowgate are closed. Unfortunately, we have to cancel tonight’s event as Mash House will remain closed all night, following instructions from the police. We’ll be back soon and hope to reschedule our night as soon as possible!’